College Wesleyan, Next Level, and Baptisms

Sunday morning, February 12, I had the privilege of worshiping at College Wesleyan Church in Marion with Dr. Steve DeNeff and his team. Children’s Pastor Stephanie Freemyer led in the child dedication liturgy with four young families participating.
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Dr. DeNeff preached a powerful message about “The Ghosts of Pharaoh.” I was able to bring greetings from our district team and it was good to connect with Pastor Steve and key leaders before and after the services. I’m grateful for the many ways that Pastor Steve and College Wesleyan impact their local community and also partner with our district to reach Indiana for Christ.
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After my visit to College Wes, I traveled to Fairmount Back Creek Wesleyan Church to meet with Rev. Ben Parker and his LBA. Pastor Ben is completing 20 years of leading the church and the LBA voted unanimously to affirm his continued service under the extended call. After the LBA meeting, I stopped over at the annex to greet members and to offer the blessing for their fellowship luncheon.
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Last Monday, I joined a Zoom meeting with Wesleyan district superintendents. Dr. Devon Smith, DS from TriState District, is convening a roundtable of district superintendents in Nashville for later this spring. I appreciate the learning and encouragement from this terrific group of colleagues.
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Dr. Chris Williams, vice-chair of the DBA, and I met over lunch for a debrief on the DS evaluation that we invited pastors to participate in last month. Thank you to the more than 50 pastors who provided their feedback. The next step will be for the DBA to review the feedback in our meeting this week.

On Tuesday morning, I met with Rev. Matthew Trexler, our district treasurer, as we prepare the financial reports and preliminary budget outline for the DBA meeting. I traveled on to Westfield for a coaching conversation with Rev, Darrell Herring who serves as supply pastor at Indianapolis Central Wesleyan Church. Rev. Seth Bye and I met at 317Church in Avon for our coaching conversation. Pastor Seth and I toured fast-growing nearby communities where Seth is praying for church planting possibilities.

My last stop on Tuesday was at Southview Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. I chaired a meeting with the LBA in which they voted unanimously to recommend Rev. Nathan Richardson for an extended call.
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Wednesday, I started the day in Fort Wayne meeting with Rev. Aldean Pablo (Roanoke ARISE Church) for our annual coaching conversation. I drove on to met with Rev. Kory Christensen at Impact Church in New Haven for our coaching conversation. My last stop of the day was in Elwood to meet with the LBA at Main Street Wesleyan Church. The LBA voted unanimously to affirm Rev. Tim Becker’s continued service on an extended call.
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On Thursday morning, Rev. Duane Cragun (Brinker Heights) and I met for our annual coaching conversation. I met with Rev. Randy Yaryan (Union Street Wesleyan Church) in Winchester for our coaching conversation and a slice of pie at Mrs. Wick’s. My last stop of the day was in Fishers to connect with Rev. Scott Rhyno, pastor at Waterline Church, to catch up on their ministry.

Saturday was another highlight as I joined Dr. Chris Williams and leaders from seven churches who gathered at Lakeview Wesleyan Church for the Next Level workshop. This was a full-day experience with insightful presentations followed by strategic conversations in the table groups. Each participating church will have follow-up coaching provided for the next six months and will be eligible to apply for a $1000 outreach project matching grant. We’ll be offering this opportunity again in the fall and would love for your church to take advantage of this valuable resource.
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We always love to rejoice and pass along the good news of how God is at work in our churches. I was delighted to hear from Pastor Matthew Trexler that The River Church celebrated 14 more baptisms today! Praise the Lord for these lives being #MadeNew!
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It was also exciting to hear from Pastor Theo Griffin and the team at Greenfield Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church. They’ve had several financial miracles in the past year and this weekend they are praising the Lord for another blessing. An anonymous donor provided funding to purchase and install this 4×8 digital sign that they dedicated today. Praise the Lord for answered prayer.

Please pray for our 2023 Crossroads District Youth All-Nighter in Fort Wayne on Friday, February 17. Click the image below for more information or to register your youth group. Thank you to Rev. Jessica Folz, our District Youth President, and Rev. Lane Sander for leading a great team that provides an incredible experience for our youth groups. I hope to see you there!
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent